CLARK FREE PORT—The plan of the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) to put up another structure at the main gate of this free port has met stiff opposition from Barangay Chairman Tony Mamac of Balibago, Angeles City.
During the media forum “Talk Widus” organized by the Pampanga Press Club at the Widus Hotel and Casino here, Mamac assailed the planned setting up of a car-dealership showroom and service center near the main gate of Clark.
The CDC said the car showroom and service center will be built near the controversial Capilion Corp. Pte. Ltd. Project that is being opposed by residents.
Mamac denied knowing the details of the CDC plans adjacent to his village.
“Hindi pa po kami na-invite tungkol dito [We have not been invited on this],” he said.
“Ang unang-una kong nakikitang problema diyan ay ang social impact o epekto nito sa barangay namin tungkol sa peace and order, traffic at basura dahil kung ang basura nito ay pupunta sa amin ay mag o-oppose kami [First of all what I see here is the problem brought about by the social impact of the project like peace and order, traffic and garbage because if the garbage of this project goes to our village we will oppose it],” he explained.
Mamac said the CDC has already realigned the drainage system of Clark to the Balibago Creek which overflows during heavy rains, causing scouring along its banks especially downstream where Systems Plus College, a hotel and some residential buildings at Diamond Subdivision are seriously affected.
He also said that, if waste liquids from the car service center, like used oil, is disposed of into the drainage system, it will cause an environmental nightmare.
“Sa Balibago Creek puro tubig lamang pero do-doble pa ang magiging pinsala pag ang umapaw ay mga used oil na pinadaan sa water system na iyan,” Mamac said.
“We will ask CDC for a plan of Capilion and the car dealership,” he added.
Meanwhile, CDC-External Affairs Department Manager Noel Tulabut said, “The project is not a run-of-the-mill talyer or auto repair shop whose oil disposal is unregulated in some areas. This is a huge brand that protects its name in terms of environment care.”
Tulabut said “the used motor oil will not drain into the sewerage system. From the engine of the car, the used oil will be directly collected and pumped into drums. It is then picked up by a third-party contractor for proper disposal offsite.”
Tulabut also said “the facility will also have an oil and water separator to make sure that no oil will flow into the CDC drainage. The company is duty bound to also comply with all of the environmental requirements set by CDC.”
But Mamac said if the CDC had such a plan why was he, as barangay chairman of Balibago, not invited to look into the project which will have a great impact on his village.